Prince George Citizen November 3, 2022

Saturday Evening Bingo at 6pm

THURSDAY, November 3, 2022

MP speaks about his abusive childhood

ARTHUR WILLIAMS Citizen staff

EDITOR’S NOTE: This story contains disturbing content

As a child, Cariboo-Prince George MP

Todd Doherty had to stand and watch as his brother’s hand was pressed to the hot burner of a stove

In a debate on mental health in the House of Commons on Oct 20, Doherty spoke publicly for the first time about the abuse he and his brothers faced growing up.

“While I have never shared this publicly, I live every day with the emotional and physical scars of the abuse that my brothers and I dealt with back home. My hope is always that if a person finds themselves experiencing some or all of what my brothers have, that they will see that they can overcome. They are not broken, and they are not weak,” Doherty said.

“I can still remember the smell of burning flesh and the sight of my brother’s skin hanging off of his hand We were lined up to watch. We did not know if we were all getting this, or if it was just my

ON THE TRADITIONAL TERRITORY OF THE LHEIDLI T’ENNEH

Prince George-Cariboo MP Todd Doherty spoke for the first time publicly about the child abuse he endured during an Oct 20 debate in the House of Commons

brother Kevin ”

Doherty did not identify the abuser, only referring to her as “she ”

The burner had been on for some time and was purple-hot

“It was a bad day. Why? I do not know. Was the canned food stacked properly? Were the dishes done? Was the garbage out? It did not matter Whatever played in her head, we were going to have to pay for it We had been here before We knew what was coming,” Doherty told his fellow MPs

“As we stood there, tears slowly ran down our cheeks We were all terrified She yanked his little arm. It was barely able to reach the top of the stove I

remember thinking that he even stood on his toes to help her deliver the punishment She held his arm in place as she placed his tiny hand onto the burner I could hear the sound of his flesh burning. Oddly, I do not remember him crying or screaming, maybe because our screams drowned out his. She did not even blink as she flung him to the side and looked directly at my brother and me ”

The incident was just one of many, Doherty said

“Just a couple of weeks earlier, I had been on the receiving end of a can of soup that was thrown at me.”

See ‘AS FAMILIES’, page 2

Passport

Is it time for Prince George to have its own passport office?

That’s a no-brainer for Skeena-Bulkley Valley MP Taylor Bacharach The backlog of applications this past summer resulted in blocks-long lineups at the Vancouver office That was enough to convince Bachrach the time is now for people in the northern half of the province to have full access to passport services

The government opened passport offices this year, in Trois Rivieres, Que , Sault Ste Marie, Ont , Charlottetown, P E I and Red Deer, Alta. Bachrach is hopeful the federal government will extend that courtesy to northern B.C.

“I think opening an office in Prince George would cut down the travel time for people who need to urgently get their passport completed, and I’ve written to the minister and asked her to consider that strongly,” Bachrach said.

Kelowna is the closest B C city to offer passport services. The province’s other passport offices are in Vancouver, Richmond, Surrey and Victoria. People who require urgent or express pick-up service must go to the Vancouver office at the Sinclair Centre 100-757 West Hastings St

TED CLARKE Citizen staff

‘As families, we never talked about this’

Continued from page 1

“As I entered the kitchen, as pots and pans clanged violently, the can hit me squarely in the corner of my eye, opening up a gaping gash that required stitches, all because the cupboards were disorganized,” Doherty said

“I can remember Trent and Kevin thrown into their bedroom, something that was knocked over and the slapping around, over and over, their cries and then silence. Did she finally do it? Did her anger and hatred finally boil over to end with her killing one of us?”

Doherty said his reason for speaking publicly about the abuse he and his brothers suffered is twofold: the first is he wanted to help combat the stigma associated with mental health issues and show abuse sufferers they aren’t alone, the second is to spur greater action to support people suffering with mental health issues.

“I know we have made huge strides as a society when it comes to mental health, but we have so much further to go There was a time not so long ago when people were embarrassed to talk about their struggles. Feeling sad, hurt or upset was something to be ashamed of,” he said “Education has been key, and recent statistics show that mental illness will directly affect one-third of, or 9 1 million, Canadians over the course of their lives

Prior to the pandemic, in any given year, one in five Canadians experienced a mental health issue ”

Doherty said he doesn’t have the solution or all the answers, but urged the government to form a mental health parliamentary committee to study the issue as quickly as possible.

Every dollar spent on mental health, returns $4 to $10 to the economy, he added

Improving access to treatments for depression could boost the Canadian economy by $32 billion per year.

Doherty said the abuse had a lasting impact on him and all of his brothers, especially Kevin

many times over the last 20 years I have no idea why he is here.

“When I sit with other family members who have lost loved ones to overdoses, they do not have the answers either; they just know something needs to be done ”

The first step to is to talk openly about the issues, so those who are suffering know they are not alone, he said.

For many years, I did not even tell my wife and my kids about this. I just knew that each and every day I wanted to live, not to perpetuate the dysfunction.

“He lives on the streets to this day He was shot twice with a shotgun last summer. He is gripped in our country’s opioid addiction,” Doherty said.

“I talked with my brother last summer, after he had been shot twice with a shotgun, and he said all the right things He said that he was going to get clean This is someone I have taken off the street so

It wasn’t until 2020 that Doherty and his brothers talked about their past

He and his brother Trent met in a restaurant and they both started shaking and crying, as they talked.

“For many years, I did not even tell my wife and my kids about this. I just knew that each and every day I wanted to live, not to perpetuate the dysfunction. I did not want to talk about it As I said at the start of my speech, we did not talk about this stuff I am tired of hiding it I phoned my brother Trent just before this and said, ‘This is our story I hope you’re okay with my sharing this,’” Doherty said “I have a stepbrother by the name of

Elvis He messaged me last week He is 54, the same age as me. He shared something with me We have never talked about this I thought I was the only one. He messaged me and he said it has been eating him up all these years and he has never talked about it That is what we need to break

“Even as brothers, we never talked about this stuff As families, we never talked about this. We are afraid to talk about it ”

He said sometimes politicians need to throw away the talking points and be real human beings

“I lost my brother-in-law to an overdose in 2008 Each and every day, I believe that if we, as leaders, share our stories and tell people and show Canadians that it is okay to come forward and share our story, we will break the stigma,” Doherty said

“I have been a Member of Parliament for seven years, and I have cried way too much in this chamber, but I honestly believe that if we throw away the talking points, speak from the heart and work on tangible things, we can show people who are struggling and suffering silently that they too could maybe, one day, regardless of where they come from, stand in this hallowed place and be a member of Parliament, that they can achieve anything, and that they can overcome the abuses they faced ”

See SHINING LIGHT ON DARK TRUTH, page 8

Hospital safety plan set

The B.C. government has announced a program to help reduce violence against health-care workers at 26 hospitals and mental health facilities, including University Hospital of Northern B.C.

Health Minister Adrian Dix said 320 “protection service officers” and 14 “violence prevention leads” will be hired to enhance the safety of nurses and other health-care staff as well as patients and the public Specifics for UHNBC were not provided and other than to say the government is “proceeding now” with the hiring and training process, Dix did not provide a timeline for when the changes will come into effect.

that Northern Health’s policy for dealing with violent behaviour does not have specific instructions on when to call security prior to calling RCMP for assistance when they deem it necessary The inspector also noted unsecured chairs and unattended metal cutlery out of concern they could be used as weapons.

According to an email chain provided to the Citizen, a staff member at UHNBC sent a message to two city council members describing the situation and questioning the RCMP’s lack of response

According to the staff member, the detachment complained that it was receiving calls for help when police were not needed and that RCMP had later “refused to come assist with an aggressive, violent and unpredictable client.”

He said that since the summer of 2021, over 4,400 reported incidents of violence have occurred, resulting in about $7 million in employee time-loss claims, but the impact on workers can’t be quantified in dollars.

UHNBC has seen its share of such trouble.

An incident in January, in which a patient in the acute psychiatric care unit threatened staff, sparked an investigation by WorkSafeBC and became a source of conflict between hospital staff and Prince George RCMP

A WorkSafeBC inspector found, in part,

“Working so closely in mental health, I can attest that the aggression and violence here as become worse Many of our nurses and staff have had near misses, last week a security guard was punched,” the staff member added.

In a response included in the email chain, Prince George RCMP Supt. Shawn Wright said police “will attend to assist if an incident is extraordinary in nature (i e when there is insufficient hospital staff to conduct the restraint) Given the size of UHNBC, it would be a rare circumstance that police intervention should be required.”

MARK NIELSEN Citizen staff

Local cancer research shows promising results

TED CLARKE Citizen staff

Prince George radiation oncologist

Robert Olson has built a career as a medical doctor finding ways for people to beat cancer and his latest work leading a provincial study using highdose radiation treatments to shrink tumours has revealed encouraging results.

Olson’s innovative research at the BC Cancer Centre for the North in Prince George utilizing stereotactic ablative radiotherapy (SABR) to target cancer cells with high doses of precisely-focused radiation has been proven effective at controlling the spread of cancer while reducing the toxic side effects on patients revealed in earlier trials

“This research is important as it showed that in a coordinated program with safety checks in place, the side effects from SABR are low, and the control of the cancer spread is high,” said Olson

“This trial also gave specific information on which body parts required more caution and study when treating, such as the liver and adrenal glands ”

The 381 patients at six B.C. cancer centres selected for the study from June 2016 through November 2020 had cancer which had spread from one location,

CITIZEN

Prince George oncologist Dr Robert Olson has published the findings of a clinical trial at BC Cancer - Prince George using stereotactic ablative radiotherapy which showed promising results with reduced toxic side effects for patients.

such as the prostate gland or lung, to other sites

The trial determined the incidence of grade 3-or-higher SABR toxic effects was less than five per cent, while the incidence of grade 2 effects was 18 6 per cent That’s compared to a 29 per cent grade 2 rate and 4 5 per cent grade 3 toxicity in an earlier study Olson offered two explanations as to

Cookie sales help kids

Chocolate chip cookies wearing smiles will be helping put smiles back on the faces of the youngest patients at the University Hospital of Northern B.C. in Prince George.

The Tim Hortons Smile Cookie Campaign raised $47,853 in Prince George between Sept. 19 and Sept. 25.

The money was donated to the Spirit of the North Healthcare Foundation

This year, the money will be used to support pediatric care in northern B C , including the final additions to the UHNBC pediatric calming room- a safe

area designed to help children calm themselves down, by providing a respite from the chaotic hospital setting

The 2022 Smile Cookie Campaign raised a record $15 million for charity across Canada, according to a statement issued by TIm Hortons on Oct 3

The Smile Cookie Campaign started in 1996 as a fundraiser for the Hamilton Children’s Hospital

Since then, it has raised more than $92 million across Canada for charities selected each year by Tim Hortons restaurant owners

why there were fewer side effects

Instead of having just one radiologist oncologist determine the radiation plan for each patient there were two, working from different centres, who worked together to calibrate the doses and target the tissue by making adjustments in fractions of millimetres.

Those precise measurements minimized the healthy tissue affected by the treatment

“We mandated that another centre, an oncologist and physicist, take a look at it and adjust it and make it an even better plan if they could,” said Olson “It is computer-based, where you can open it up remotely from a different centre Other provinces can’t do this They don’t have their centres connected.

“The other one is, when you’re planning radiation there’s always a trade-off between getting as high a dose as you can on the tumour and as low a dose as you can into the normal tissue that’s close by and we prioritize the normal tissue well above the target and really aggressively carve the dose away from things like the esophagus and spinal cord and brain and kidney.

The changes in treatment plans and the resulting decrease in the chance of side effects has stimulated the interest of the international researchers, Dr Olson said As research lead at BC Cancer – Prince

George, the methodology Olson followed in the third phase of the SABR-5 trial minimizes the number of treatments required.

The research team is investigating whether the treatment can improve survival rates and ultimately lead to a cure for some patients.

“An earlier, smaller phase II trial in 2019, called SABR-COMET, showed encouraging results with people living two times longer than those who did not receive the treatment,” said Olson “However, there was three times the rate of side effects in those who received SABR, including a 30 per cent rate of mild side effects; approximately 15 per cent rate of serious side effects, for example, requiring hospitalizations; and a five per cent death rate from side effects Therefore, we wanted to test if we could deliver SABR in a safer, yet equally effective manner with our SABR-5 trial.

“We specifically sought to determine if a large, coordinated provincial program, with several quality and safety mechanisms in place, could keep the side effect rate very low We had also wanted to demonstrate that SABR can be safe, while still achieving high rates of tumour control, before we moved on to the larger SABR-COMET-3 randomized trial that we are currently running internationally from Prince George ”

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New trailer brings support to Moccasin Flats

HANNA PETERSEN Citizen staff

Uniting Northern Drug Users Undoing Stigma (UNDU) now has an Atco office trailer set up to provide services to those living at Moccasin Flats.

UNDU is an Indigenous-led, peer-run, grassroots drug user group that focuses on harm reduction and now has boots on the ground at Moccasin Flats, the encampment set up at Lower Patricia Boulevard

“We’ve been wanting to provide services at Moccasin Flats for a while trying to see how we could do that, other than just outreach, because outreach is kind of hit and miss,” said Katt Cadieux, UNDU founder and executive director

“We really want to be able to have people on-site for many different reasons to provide secure support, a sense of security or safety so if something is going on they can come to see us and get help.”

She said they were able to purchase the trailer through funds from the First Nations Health Authority (FNHA) and are working on getting it up to code so it can function with electrical, heat, and possibly sewer services.

They also hope to be able to provide shower access and cooking equipment so they can provide warm meals and drinks throughout the day

In 2021, two B.C. Supreme Court cases ruled against injunctions requesting the closure of the encampment, as Prince George was found to have insufficient daytime services and shelter spaces for unhoused individuals

Since then, UNDU has been working to help those living at Moccasin Flats, and last summer it helped establish a community garden to provide food and help strengthen connections.

“We’re hoping that down the road, we can have the fire department come down

here and do education on fire safety, and how we can help encourage it,” added Cadieux “Our goal is to build relationships with municipalities and other organizations to provide support to people that are in need.”

With the toxic drug crisis, Cadieux said she’d also like to be able to encourage the residents to get their drugs tested as many people think they are using stimulants, but the drugs actually contain benzos and fentanyl, which can cause an overdose

She said the long-term goal is to get support from Northern Health to provide overdose prevention services on-site where people can come in and safely use and have someone be able to respond if needed

“It’s about providing information about how to use a bit safer, providing education around safety when using substances,” added Cadieux

She said another need they’ve identified for residents is basic wound care, as a lot of people come to UNDU who need bandaids or have abscesses that need cleaning and wrapping.

Cadieux said they help encourage people to keep their wounds clean and identify any infections, as well as providing peer support and advocacy when residents need medical attention

To support this goal, UNDU plans to

provide basic first aid training for about 20 people at the end of November “It’s a work in progress,” added Cadieux “But this is our steppingstone to providing more supports, other than the outreach.”

UNDU was already coming to Moccasin Flats three days per week to check on people, offer snacks, drinks, harm reduction supplies and collect used needles or paraphernalia, but Cadieux says more support is always needed.

Since February, UNDU has also had a space at the Knights Inn where it has been providing a lot of the same services to the residents who live there as well.

However, a lot of unhoused individuals have begun camping at Millennium Park at First and George St to be closer to washrooms, food services, the POUNDS program and needle exchange

“I’m hoping by providing services that they need down here, that they might feel a bit more able to come down [to Moccasin Flats],” said Cadieux

UNDU’s goal is also to help the residents of Moccasin Flats to become engaged with the trailer as volunteers and eventually hire them for paid positions

“I strongly believe that if we have the residents down here included within the support services that we’re providing, that even when we’re not open, that they take pride in their work,” said Cadieux

CITIZEN STAFF PHOTO

The UNDU Atco trailer is providing harm reduction services at Moccasin Flats.

CHRISTINE DALGLEISH Citizen staff

As COVID-19 pandemic restrictions lift and seniors are getting brave enough to resume their normal activities, many are considering going back to their snowbirding lifestyle.

The cost of travel and the insurance coverage that should be the companion that cushions the blow if something goes wrong is an essential part of that idyllic winter vacation plan.

Gary Clarke of Snow Owl Travel Insurance, who has been a Prince George insurance broker for the last 45 years, has taken the guess work out of it.

“Restrictions or additions have been eliminated now, so for any reason you have a medical emergency, including

COVID-19, the insurance company will pay,” Clarke said “The companies I use have a $10 million overall policy that you are covered for and pricing is always dependent on your age, health, the destination and duration of the trip ”

Clarke said there are some new trends.

“A lot of folks are going for longer terms now. Recently I’ve done quotes for up to seven-month trips That’s a long time and it can get quite expensive and that would be determined by how long you’re going and your health – if you’ve got no underlying health conditions it makes a big difference compared to someone who has underlying conditions – a big difference.”

Another factor that determines cost is if your destination is the United States.

“You can have world travel insurance

that excludes the United States and it’s quite a bit cheaper because the USA is the most expensive place in the world to get sick,” Clarke said “If you go into hospital down there it’s very expensive and believe it or not Canada is the second most expensive. Most people don’t realize that because we’re covered through our medical services plan.”

He’s also noticed a recent trend where they buy a policy that spans say 35 days over a year because they may go on vacation twice a year but then there’s that visit to family that takes them away from home as well.

“They don’t know exactly when they’re going so they’ll buy a multi-trip policy that covers as many trips as they’d like to make in that year,” Clarke said. “I find that’s very popular now as it leaves all

your options open ” Clarke said to get any kind of travel insurance, people must first be covered by their provincial medical services plan “I want to emphasize something, especially when it comes to older folks,” Clarke said.

“Even if you do have an ongoing medical condition the rates are based on the stability of that condition So let’s say you are on medication for high blood pressure so you declare that and that’s ok, there’s no increase in the rate for that as long as you declare it, but it has to have been a stable condition for at least six months – so no increase in medication for six months and if there is a change in medication there’s going to be a surcharge. These are things to keep in mind when getting insurance ”

Warrington ends 17 years on school board

HANNA PETERSEN Citizen staff

After 17 years of serving on School District No. 57’s board, Sharel Warrington has completed her last public meeting.

The board of trustees completed its final meeting Tuesday night before the newly elected board will be inaugurated on Nov 7

Warrington, who worked as a teacher for 30 years before running as a trustee in 2005, finished her lengthy career as board chair

She said it was with mixed emotions that she decided to retire from public life, as she made the choice to not seek re-election this fall.

“When I reflect on these past 17 years, there is much to be proud of. Yes, there have been many challenges and some very difficult times and difficult decisions to be made but throughout it all this district has stayed true to its commitment to keep students at the centre of all we do, to be responsible and accountable stewards as we address the diverse needs of our very large and complex school district,” said Warrington

“The past four years have tested our resilience, commitment, and accountability Upon reflection, it is my hope that this test has made the district stronger, more

resilient, committed and truly accountable not only for the decisions we have been called upon to make but also for the work ahead.”

She said there is a lot of good work to celebrate in classrooms, schools and throughout the district

“Finally, to the new board who will take the helm on Nov 7 as departing trustee I remember that first inauguration in 2005 and the feeling of being overwhelmed by both excitement for the work ahead and the knowledge I had much to learn,” she

said “I came to understand that huge learning curve as I entered into the work of governance and in particular in understanding what it means to govern responsibly and effectively It is both a demanding and rewarding learning journey and I wish each of you all the very best as you take on this important work.”

Trustees Ron Polillo and Tim Bennett also served their final meeting as both have been elected as city councillors and will also be inaugurated to Prince George city council on Nov 7

“This is my last meeting, and I am starting a new exciting chapter of my life as a city councillor,” said Polillo, who served four years as a trustee

“When I ran four years ago, I ran to make a difference for our students and my two daughters who were in the system and who are now both graduated from SD57 I leave with the confidence that we’ve completed some important work Yes, it was challenging four years at times, but I think we have done some really good work together as a board ”

Bennett is also finishing a lengthy time as a board trustee, as he was first elected 11 years ago. “It is a really bittersweet decision to leave the public education sector,” he said.

“We have incredible staff in our district, and we also know times are tough right now and our staff are giving everything

they have We as community members and advocates, and a new board, we just need to continue to fight for the system, for our students, staff, and parents because it is a system worth fighting for and we need to continue to ensure the supports are there for our students ”

Trustee Milton Mahoney, who won the January by-election but was not re-elected as a trustee during the Oct. 15 election, also had outgoing comments

“It’s been a rocky nine months and sometimes it has been an enjoyable nine months I got to meet and enjoy the company of many people and I’ve learned a lot from different people,” said Mahoney

“There are people in the room who didn’t really appreciate the way I do things. That’s fine. I didn’t come on board to win a popularity contest My goal was for the kids.”

Returning trustees Betty Bekkering, Bob Thompson and Rachael Webber will be joining the new recruits Erica McLean, Corey Atrim, Gillian Burnett, and Craig Brennan in taking the oath of office on Nov. 7 officially forming the 2022-26 term.

The first official public school board meeting following the inauguration of the new board won’t take place until December because the November meeting was cancelled in order to allow the new trustees to participate in an orientation session

Ron Polillo and Sharel Warrington embrace after their final school board meeting together last week

Nordic Centre to host international competitions

CHRISTINE DALGLEISH Citizen staff

The Caledonia Nordic Centre on Otway Road in Prince George will be the location for three major competitions during the next 18 months.

The 2023 Nordiq Canada Selection Trials and Nordiq Cup (COC) are set for January 18-21, 2023, the FIS Para Biathlon World Championships goes from March 3-11, 2023, and the FIS Para Nordic World Cup finals will be in Prince George from March 12-18, 2024.

“I am a volunteer and I look forward to proudly standing alongside 150 volunteers every day – 150 each day – that’s three days of competition - right here on the unceded traditional territory of the Lheidli T’enneh,” Sally Connon, chief

of competitions volunteer at Caledonia Nordic Ski Club, said

“I can assure you the word ‘never’ will not be in our script because Canada’s best cross-country skiers will descend on us and they will rely on us to put on a fantastic Nordic event,” she said.

“They will go head-to-head on the first day in a sprint, six abreast at the start line, they’ll hear the start gun and off they’ll go, then we’ll witness the mass start with a 20km classic ski and on the final day the athletes will race the clock on a 10km technical, very tough individual race ”

“A greater spotlight will be put on the 2023 Trials as the event will serve as the final staging ground for young Canadian athletes from coast-to-coast prior to Team Canada welcoming the world’s best

Under 23 a week later at Whistler Olympic Park for the FIS World Junior/U23 Nordic Ski Championships,” Kate Boyd, high performance director, para for Nordiq Canada, said.

“I can personally attest to the event experience this community puts on, having been a part of the world class event delivered by Caledonia Nordic Ski Club, the City of Prince George and the passionate army of volunteers when Prince George hosted the 2019 Para Nordic World Championships,” she said

“And although I definitely admit it was the chilliest World Championships I have been part of, it was also certainly one of the best ever ”

The club director of competition for Caledonia Nordic, Kevin Pettersen, said the club is honoured to have been

selected as the host for all of these events

“These events mean so much to our volunteers, officials, and our community, and help us to continue our journey toward building a world class Nordic centre,” Pettersen added.

“We’ll be able to welcome the world to Prince George for generations to come ”

Tourism Prince George anticipates the economic impact for Prince George for the three events will be more than $4 7 million

As with all events there will be a substantial need for volunteers

Anyone interested in volunteering to help out can send an email to competitions@caledonianordic ca for more information.

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Shining light on dark truths

Cariboo-Prince George MP Todd Doherty showed incredible courage last Thursday night in the House of Commons when, during a debate about mental health, he shared in graphic and horrific detail just two examples of the childhood abuse he and his brothers suffered growing up in Williams Lake

Too many people still think there’s something weak and embarrassing for an adult (and a grown man, no less!) to shed tears and speak openly about their inner pain Why is that?

The better question is who benefits when people refuse to talk (and are not heard when they do) about childhood abuse? The perpetrators of these crimes aren’t the only ones who are not being held accountable

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

MORE VETS NEEDED

I’m writing in regards to the vet shortage in Northern B C

First, I want to say that the vets in Prince George have been nothing but incredible, especially considering how overworked and burnt out they have been I recently got to use the vet triage system that is set up for after hours care. Though the people I spoke to were understanding and professional, it was still a stressful experience

I understand that this was put into place to help take some of the burden off of the local vets, but we need a more permanent solution in the north I’m not saying that I have all of the answers, but we definitely need to do more

We need to have an after-hours vet clinic in Prince George I heard there was talk of setting up a vet school at UNBC I’m all for that idea as well I also believe that we need to do more in not just retaining the vets that we currently have, but I think that more needs to be done to entice more vets to come live, stay and practice in the north

I am an animal owner, have been my entire life I’ve noticed that there are a lot of animal owners in this city. Like a lot of other people, my animals are my family I believe that we need to do more for them. They’re family, after all

Dani Bastien, Prince George

We acknowledge the financial support of the government of Canada.

Nous reconnaissons l’appli financier du gouvernement du Canada.

What about the other family members, the neighbours and the teachers who knew or suspected the abuse but did nothing? From there, it’s easy for police officers, judges, politicians, and society at large to minimize the issue to a few bad actors, rather than face a major societal problem harming every community

Doherty’s bravery runs deeper than just acknowledging his own childhood trauma

By the time he was done speaking, the two fellow MPs sitting behind him were in tears. Sadly, there are likely more than a few of his fellow Conservative MPs who would have preferred if Doherty had kept his story to himself and stuck to blaming Justin Trudeau for everything.

That’s probably why Doherty took great pains to

FLY OR FLOUNDER?

Now that the dust has settled and we have a new mayor and council elected, the watching and waiting begins on what direction Mayor Simon Yu will go in and if council will be on board with his plans A lot of people will be watching the mayor and council over the next while to see what will happen.

Some councillors like Cori Ramsay, Tim Bennett and Ron Polillo will be under the microscope with Ramsay being on the financial committee and under her purview she did nothing about cost overruns until Brian Skakun brought it to light Suddenly, she was on the bandwagon but until then she was quiet. Bennett and Polillo were on the school board when very questionable decisions were made about renaming a school and systematic harassment throughout the school district

In the end, the citizens of Prince George voted the mayor and council in and now it’s up to them to prove they can help Prince George or will it flounder like the past four city councils prior to them

I am hoping that this new mayor and council can change the course but then again I am also prepared for disappointment, too We will know within four to five months if the mayor and council can function or will it flounder Dean Soiland, Prince George

stress that child abuse is not a partisan issue and that mental health is a massive drain on the economy with tens of billions of dollars lost each year in workplace productivity and health care spending It also took courage for Doherty to link his child abuse to mental health and addictions At the moment, the narrative is far more about nature than nurture Of course, mental illness and addictions are diseases but – just like cancer and diabetes – environmental conditions are a huge contributor

More social and government effort to prevent child abuse, to punish the abusers and protect and treat the abused, is the decent and moral thing to do, plus it would go a long way towards reducing the number of mental health and addictions cases.

Editor-in-chief Neil Godbout

BAD REPORTING

The CBC has played a major role in setting the stage for the violence related to the Coastal GasLink pipeline construction The CBC has played an agitating role by endorsing the claims of the hereditary chiefs while paying scant attention to the elected chiefs and the mandate of their electorate.

The CBC created a favorable narrative for the protesters who were arrested for being in breech of a Supreme Court order.

The CBC has been disrespectful to the court and the rule of law. Mostly recently, the terrorists burned four RCMP vehicles and additional government vehicles in Smithers in a targeted attack

The violence on the pipeline is a major story with international implications Elements of this major story include the terrible violence against workers (Some of them First Nations) and the police, as well as the emotional impacts on individuals and communities Additionally, this violence will have an impact on international investment going forward.

Yet despite the significance of the story on many levels, the CBC remains coyly quiet in their coverage, providing cover for the terrorists.

The CBC has funded an anarchist documentary which should be released

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soon which highlights the opposition to the pipeline

In a calculated way, the CBC continues to sow discontent and potential future violence. The CBC’s conduct has been ethically and professionally disgraceful My request is for CBC Daybreak North to explain the purpose of this forthcoming anarchist documentary and provide clarity as to their role in this pipeline violence

Rolf van Driesum, Prince George

UNFAIR PRICES

So Loblaws has put a freeze on all their PC brand products. No hero biscuit from me Maybe if they froze prices from four months ago instead of the inflated prices of today, it might seem sincere

Our grocery stores are owned by some of the wealthiest people in Canada It is mind blowing how greedy they are How much money is enough? There is gouging going on everywhere

I hope when and if things get back to some normalcy, that customers remember who the gouging retailers are. They complain that they need to recoup their losses but how does someone on a fixed income recoup their losses?

Sell their home, their car, maybe a kidney?

We are talking about the basics of food and water, not booze and cigarettes

Jeannette Holmes, Prince George

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Incarceration by lively debate ahead

Like any self-respecting, wannabe columnist, I guess I better start this one off with a quote, in this case the Greek philosopher Epicurus. “We must free ourselves from the prison of public education and politics,” he wrote in one of the few surviving pieces of his prolific writings.

You could read this a number of ways, but for the purposes of this column, I want to ruminate on what I think this means for anyone writing a column: we would be much wiser not to We should ignore the need to continually educate the public according to our understanding of facts and engage in political discourse according to our political ends For surely this is a bottomless pit of disagreement, with no satisfying

HE BACK TORY MES STEIDLE

outcome for anyone.

A prison indeed

Perhaps the writers of columns should take the lead from the voters of Prince George, who have by and large disengaged from politics

Not even 30 per cent of us bothered to vote in our recent municipal election, and if you cornered the average citizen in the parking lot of the Save-on with election pamphlets, like I did, chances are they would avoid you like an aspen

stand avoids wildfire; sometimes they get caught in the blaze but usually they snuff it out

Maybe there is something to be said about living a non-political life, which so many of us subscribe to, and perhaps Epicurus is looking down on us in approval right now. I’ve got friends who will terminate a conversation the moment it gets political. And they are probably a lot happier because of it But as wise as Epicurus is, and you can bet I have some more quotes of his to share, I think he’s ultimately got it wrong on this one. Too many of us have heeded the sage’s advice to stay out of the prison of endless political argument, a desire comment sections usually do nothing to temper, and we are poorer because of it, not only

metaphorically, but literally as well

The less people engage with politics and public education, the more of your tax dollars are wasted, the more our environment is devalued, and the further the fabric of our society unravels. If we don’t get out there and engage, step on toes, above all vote, eventually we won’t live in a free-market democracy where the public good is paramount. We will live in a feudalistic corporatocracy on a dying planet where profits for global capital are paramount We are well on the way to the latter, and that’s my motivation for this column, the “back story” if you will, and I look forward to being incarcerated by lively debate in the columns ahead, Epicurus be damned

James Steidle is a Prince George writer

Leaders past and present set great examples

We live in a time of a leadership crisis It is difficult to identify a world leader who has not betrayed their integrity for the sake of wealth and power.

The sanctity of human life apparently means nothing to these people, and it has become more important for them to control the narrative than to speak the truth. Far too often, we see the people in power abandon us in our moment of need and manipulate us in our time of vulnerability

When facing such a situation, it is important to find great leaders in history and seek refuge in the hope and inspiration of their legacy

Perhaps the greatest leader of the last 500 years was Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji who was publicly beheaded by a Mughal Emperor in what is today India Rather than succumb to this man’s wishes and abandon not only his Sikh followers but also his Hindu neighbours, Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji embraced all that is pure and beautiful in our humanity and inspires the rest of us to do the same.

During the Rwandan Genocide of 1994,

LESSONS IN LEARNING

GERRY CHIDIAC

Jean-Marie Vianney Gisagara, the mayor of a small town in the Butare region of this country, delayed the actions of genocidaires in his community, distributed falsified identity cards to his Tutsi neighbours so they could pass as Hutus, and helped countless people escape to Burundi.

For his efforts, Gisagara was hunted and brutally murdered, but died knowing that he had done the right thing Fortunately, not all great leaders are martyred Eleanor Roosevelt convinced her husband Franklin to bring humane reforms to American government policy when he was president She went on to work with an astounding group of female leaders (in conjunction with male counterparts) to write the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in the years

following World War II. If this document was followed, we would not be facing a crisis today.

There are also elected officials today who seek to serve and not to exploit.

Todd Doherty, the Member of Parliament for Cariboo-Prince George, is the government representative that anyone living in a democracy would hope for. His greatest fault is that he expects too much of himself in his role, so much so that five years ago his body began to shut down and he had to be hospitalized.

Doherty recovered, and through collaboration with parliamentarians from other political parties has moved forward legislation to improve the lives of ordinary Canadians

Most recently, he opened up about the impact of trauma and abuse on his own family This is something that few politicians have the courage to discuss, yet something that we so desperately need to talk about.

What many fail to realize is that there is a difference between being in a position of power and being a leader This contrast

became very clear in the confrontation between the Mughal Emperor and Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji, who embraced integrity, love, and truth in the face of violence, intimidation, and manipulation.

A Palestinian Jew named Jesus spoke a similar message, “What shall it profit a man, if he gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?” (Mark 8:36) We are facing a leadership crisis in the world when flying on a private jet means more than caring for the environment When controlling the food industry means more than feeding the hungry When producing weapons to kill children means more than educating them When owning a yacht and several homes means more than living with integrity

The good thing is that each of us is a leader We determine whether we will play the game of manipulation and exploitation or follow the example of Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji, Jesus of Nazareth, Eleanor Roosevelt, Jean-Marie Vianney Gisagara, or even our very own Todd Doherty.

Gerry Chidiac is a Prince George writer

More than carbon tax behind gas price hikes

One of the drivers for inflation has been the high price of gasoline. Over the past eight months, it has soared from $1.549 in February to $2 167 in July We are now back down to a price of $1.859. And as the price of fuel declines, so does some of the inflationary pressure introduced by high fuel prices

But questions remain about the cost of fuel

There are certainly a number of people who would like to blame the price increase on carbon taxes, for example, but they are looking at politics and not the numbers

The price put on carbon is a fixed value and currently sits at 11 05 cents per litre

That is not a percentage but the actual cost The increase in the carbon tax this year was 2 2 cents per litre and it will be around that again next year

A two-cent increase in carbon tax can not produce a 60-cent increase in price nor explain why we are still paying more than we were in February. Nor can the price of crude oil

Using the last week of October as a comparator, we get crude oil at $54 18

in 2019 while the price at the pump was $1.234 in Prince George.

In 2020, the numbers were $35 79 and $1.103. In 2021, they were $83.57 and $1 4403 This year, they are $87 90 and $1.859.

The price of crude oil only loosely explains the price of gasoline

A four-dollar difference in the price of crude oil shouldn’t result in a 40-cent difference at the pump, especially when crude was at $95 46 in February but the price at the pump gasoline was 30-cents lower

Clearly there is more going than just the cost of government taxes

One consideration is the time lag between purchase and delivery Crude

purchases are made on futures, anticipating the cost going forward.

High priced crude then needs to be processed and cleared through the system before lower price crude can bring the price down.

Another factor is refining capacity as much of the fuel in B C comes from Washington State and when that refinery is shut down for extended periods, the price rises

No matter the cause, the price of gasoline impacts our lives and the rate of inflation

The choice is ours.

And in that choice lies our power Todd Whitcombe is a chemistry professor at

Studio Fair kicks off holiday fair season

CHRISTINE DALGLEISH Citizen staff

Looking for that perfect gift in time for the holidays?

That special something that inspires that huge grin on the face of the getter and you’re just happy to be the giver?

Here are a few of the holiday craft fairs that are coming up, starting in November.

Studio Fair is in its 46th year and takes place at CN Centre on Friday, Nov. 4 from 1 to 8 p m , Saturday, Nov 5 from 10 a m to 6 p m and Sunday, Nov 6 from 10 a m to 4 p m Showcasing Canada’s best artisans at Northern BC’s Finest Professional Artisan Fair You will discover one-of-a-kind quality, handcrafted Items –delectable gourmet food, luxurious soaps and candles, unique and fashionable clothing and accessories, handcrafted home decor, first class pottery and wood craft, and heirloom quality books and toys Take your time, enjoy the beautiful craftsmanship, and treat yourself and your loved ones You are sure to be delighted to witness true artisan quality coupled with our one-of-a-kind items, lots of unique activities, and tons of fun for the entire family

Admission is $5, children 12 and under are free

The Prince George & District Community Arts Council who hosts the event is also asking everyone to donate a non-perishable food item that will be delivered to St Vincent de Paul Society

Artisans in the Greenhouse takes place

at Art Knapp, 4411 Kimball Road, Saturday Nov 5 and 6 from 9 a m to 5 p m

There is also an open house that includes a spin of the wheel for savings on artificial Christmas items. The line up of vendors includes: Blossom and Sprout Charts, Cedar Bough Soap Co., Col Juicery, Deanies Beanies, Farmhouse Catering Company, Hope Chest PG, Iron Raven Creations, Made by OMA, Nature Essence Co , North Soul Studios (Sunday only), SJ Customs, The Tamed Arsonist and Waite Wood Working Merry & Bright at Studio 2880, 2880

15th Ave., presented by the Prince George & District Community Arts Council, goes Nov. 17 and 24, Dec. 1, 8 and 15 from 5 to 8 p m Enjoy a peaceful evening of shopping, complete with hot drinks and Christmas cheer This is an opportunity to find the perfect gift created by local artisans. The gallery floor is opened up for vendors to offer their beautiful creations for sale in a welcoming atmosphere

Pineview Christmas Craft Fair and Small Business Fair at Pineview Hall, 6470 Bendixon Road, on Nov 19 and 20 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. There are two floors of

vendors selling their wares in time for the holidays.

Eastline Market Christmas Craft Fair, Ferndale Hall, 3595 Upper Fraser Road, on Nov 26 from 10 a m to 3 p m Craft Fair & Bake Sale on Nov. 26 at the Prince George Seniors Activity Centre, 425 Brunswick St. from 1 a.m. to 3 p.m., featuring crafts tables, bake sale tables, a gingerbread house raffle, photos with Santa The kitchen will be open featuring Kathi’s beef barley soup and there’s live music on site to add to the festivities Holiday Maker Market takes place Dec 3 from 6 to 9 p m at The Makerie, 1135 Fifth Ave Attend the carefully curated maker market at the Makerie The Holiday Small Business Fair at the Roll-A-Dome, 2588 Rec Place, takes place Dec 3 and 4 from 10 a m to 4 p m where more than 80 vendors are on site. There will be a large selection of high quality products from some of the most talented artisans in Northern BC Admission is free to the market.

Winterfest at the Prince George Civic Centre takes place on Dec. 10 and 11 from 10 a m to 4 p m each day

P&R Second Annual Christmas Market, P&R Farms, 12800 Salmon Valley Road, on Dec. 11 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Santa will be on site, there are winter hay rides, food and drink, a bonfire with a whole host of local artisans on site If there are any other craft fairs going on, please send me all of the the details at cdalgleish@pgcitizen ca and I will add them to the list.

Comedy, opera and Elvis shows in store

Alex Mackenzie’s Hungry for Laughs Comedy Tour will return to Prince George on Nov. 18.

All the proceeds from the annual comedy and variety show, sponsored by Canadian Tire, will benefit the Prince George Hospice Society Mackenzie grew up in Prince George and cut his comedic teeth performing at Nancy O’s and the former Sonar comedy club. In addition to Mackenzie, the show features comedians Simon King and Ivan Decker, freestyle rapper Chris Turner and foot archer Orissa Kelly

The show takes place at the Prince George Conference and Civic Centre

Tickets start at $30 and the show begins at 8 p.m.

The Comic Strippers are returning to Prince George in November for a pair of shows at the Prince George Playhouse

The 19+ improv comedy show doesn’t deliver the Full Monty, but plenty of belly laughs for men and women

The Comic Strippers will perform at the playhouse on Nov 25 and Nov 26 Both shows start at 8 p.m. Ticket are available online, and are $44 plus service charges and taxes.

Two of Canada’s rising stars of opera will perform a selection of opera favourites, from Mozart to Massenet, on Nov 20

Regina-born soprano Emma Johnson and Vancouver-born baritone Jason Cook will perform with the Prince George Symphony Orchestra at Vanier Hall.

Johnson was the grand award winner at the FCMF National Music Festival, has worked with the Berlin Opera Academy and performed with the Saskatoon Symphony Orchestra, Saskatoon Opera, Thunder Bay Symphony Orchestra and Regina Philharmonic Chorus.

Cook is a member of the Vancouver Opera Ensemble, and has performed across Canada, Europe, China and Australia.

The show also features performances

by PGSO young artist winner Grace Li Tickets start at $15 and are available online The doors open at 1:30 p m , and the show begins at 2 p.m.

It’ll be a blue, blue, blue Christmas for Elvis fans in Prince George if they miss Elvis impersonator Steve Elliott’s Christmas show in December

Christmas for a King: The Gospel and Seasonal Songs of Elvis Presley is coming to the Prince George Playhouse on Dec. 17 The doors for the concert open at 6 p.m. and the show starts at 7 p.m. Tickets are $30 per person at the Treasure Cove Casino guest services desk, or by phoning 250-561-2421

Christmas ornaments hang for sale at the 2021 Studio Fair at CN Centre.

How to get your flu shot

ARTHUR WILLIAMS Citizen staff

Northern Health is recommending everyone over the age of six months should get the influenza ‘flu’ vaccine this fall.

Flu shots have been available since Oct 11, and can be booked online, or by phoning 1-833-838-2323 toll free.

“Influenza is not always a harmless illness. It can cause serious health risks including death A person with influenza is also at risk of other infections, such as bacterial or viral pneumonia (an infection of the lungs),” according to Northern Health’s website “Every year, about 1,400 people in B C die from influenza and complications of influenza, such as pneumonia The peak of the influenza season is traditionally November to April. Your best protection from getting and transmitting influenza is the influenza vaccine.”

Getting vaccinated and good personal hygiene, including effective hand washing, are the best protections against the flu. If you do get sick, stay home, rest, drink plenty of fluids and manage your symptoms.

The flu Quadrivalent and Trivalent Inactivated Influenza Vaccines (QIIV and TIIV), and Quadrivalent Live Attenuated Influenza Vaccine (LAIV-Q) vaccines for the 2022-2023 flu season contain protection against the A/Victoria, A/Darwin, B/ Austria and B/Phuket strains

The A/Darwin and B/Austria strains were not contained in the 2021/2022 season vaccines

The influenza vaccine is highly recommended and provided free to people at higher risk, people capable of transmitting influenza to those at high risk, people who provide essential community services and anyone else who wishes to reduce their risk of influenza.

Airport numbers soar

The Prince George Airport saw passenger numbers continue to rise over the past three months

The airport saw 30,510 passengers in July, up from 21,176 in July 2022 and 9 707 in July 2020 In August, 32,644 people flew through the Prince George Airport, up from 26,989 in August 2021 and 11,006 in August 2020. And 34,897 passengers passed through the airport in September, up from 24,909 in September 2021 and 10,902 in September 2020

Food bank sees growing demand for help

ARTHUR WILLIAMS Citizen staff

The Prince George Salvation Army has seen an increase in the number of people accessing their food bank services this year, community ministries director Roy Law says.

The Salvation Army has seen a roughly 25 per cent increase in demand, compared to last year So far this year, the Salvation Army food bank has had roughly 2,300 visits, and those numbers are rising as Christmas approaches.

“There is definitely some new faces Those who were close to that fence line before have been pushed over,” Law said “We’ve been able to handle that increase. (But) as we go along, we rely on the community to help that.”

The Salvation Army relies on the generosity of Prince George businesses, volunteers and donors, Law said Prince George always comes through for people in need, he added

A national survey, released on Monday, shows that 20 per cent of Canadian households are reducing meal size or

skipping meals to deal with rising food costs, The Canadian Press reported. Statistics Canada reported that, as of September, grocery prices were up 11.4 per cent compared with last year

Last week Food Banks Canada announced that a record 1 5 million Canadians accessed food banks in March.

This year’s local Salvation Army Kettle Campaign, running Nov. 12 to Dec. 24, will be critical for the Salvation Army to be able to keep providing services throughout 2023, Law said

“It’s crucial. It is about our only main

fundraiser every year,” he said “We try to survive the year with that. It’s been over 100 years with that ”

With COVID-19, “the last few years have been challenging with volunteers,” he said. The Salvation Army was forced to reduce its number of kettle locations, because there weren’t enough volunteers. To volunteer, phone 250-596HOPE(4673) or sign up online.

“The two best ways to help are volunteering and donations,” Law said. “We call it giving Giving doesn’t have to be money.”

Judge sides with designer in logo dispute

MARK NIELSEN Citizen staff

A judge has dismissed a claim brought against a Prince George-based graphic designer over a concern the logo she designed for a local construction company may have infringed on the intellectual property rights of Harvard University.

In December 2018, Hayer R.Constructon Firm Inc. had hired Kimberly Hayhurst to “render marketing, branding and graphic design services,” Provincial Court Judge Judith Doulis summarized in a reasons for judgment issued Oct. 17.

By spring 2019, Hayhurst had delivered a corporate logo consisting of a “stylized three-dimensional form of the letter ‘H’ using an isometric typography ” Hayer “approved and accepted” the logo but in fall 2019, the company’s president, Robin Hayer, came across a logo also consisting of a three-dimensional stylized “H” while on Instagram and “instantly thought it was someone reposting his materials ”

He then determined it was associated with the Harvard University School of Design in Cambridge, Massachusetts

“Out of an abundance of caution,” Hayer abandoned the design, notified the Harvard University trademarks program of his concerns and intention and filed a notice of small claims against Hayhurst and her firm, Hey K. Marketing

“The two logos were extremely similar, but not identical,” Doulis remarked and went on to find that Hayhurst did her due diligence when it came to determining

SUBMITTED IMAGES

The similarity between these two designs was the subject of a recent court case in Prince George

whether similar designs were being used by others Hayhurst took a snapshot of the image, uploaded it into Google’s automated internet search engine, then conducted searches of the image as well as its reverse. She also undertook a text-based search and carried out the searches both before and after creating the logo. Although it took “dozens of hours,” none of the efforts produced any similar logos.

Doulis went on to note that the parties’ did not specifically agree that Hayhurst would conduct trademark searches on the logo Had that been the case, Hayhurst would have had to sub-contract that aspect to a registered trademark agent and would have charged significantly more than the $3,360 she was paid for designing the logo, Doulis inferred.

Hayhurst consistently denied using the Harvard School of Design logo on creating the design for Hayer and was “steadfast” that any similarity is coincidental, Doulis wrote.

Doulis went on to cast doubt about the extent of the reach of the trademark for the Harvard logo. It is not registered in Canada and no evidence was cited that the university had a “worldwide patent.” Nor was evidence presented that either the university or the school specifically operated in Canada.

Whether the logos would cause anyone to be confused about who is who is not self-evident, Doulis wrote. “Hayer Construction is in the business of constructing homes and other edifices in northern British Columbia Harvard University is providing an elite education program in architecture and design in Massachusetts ”

“Kimberly Hayhurst argues there is ‘little to zero risk of confusion or business impact from any inadvertent similarity between the Harvard and the Hayer logo,’” Doulis continued “I agree that it is improbable that a consumer, upon seeing the isometric ‘H’ next to ‘Hayer Construction’ might believe the construction project was that of Harvard University’s School of Design.”

Hayer had been seeking as much as $11,551 11 in damages.

Regional district boosts student bursaries

for UNBC students will increase from $1,000 to $2,500. The new amounts will be in effect for the 2023-24 academic year

Some students attending secondary and post-secondary schools in the Regional District of Fraser-Fort George will get some extra help covering the rising costs of tuition.

Last week, the Regional District of Fraser-Fort George board of directors approved increasing the bursaries it offers to School District 57, UNBC and College of New Caledonia students.

Bursaries offered to School District 57 and CNC students will rise from $500 to $1,000, and the regional district bursary

In a report to the board, requested by the board in August, district general manager of legislative and corporate services Karla Jensen said the bursaries offered by the regional district benefit local students

“SD No 57 students must be enrolling in post-secondary full-time studies and must be a resident of the Electoral Area for the bursary being applied for and be graduating from the high school serving that Electoral Area For UNBC and CNC bursaries, students must be enrolled in full-time studies and have graduated from

an accredited secondary school within the Regional District or a mature student who has established permanent residency within the Regional District.”

The regional district has offered bursaries to College of New Caledonia students since 1988, and created a second bursary for CNC students in 2005, as well as a bursary for UNBC students The district has offered bursaries to area School District 57 students since 2013.

Jensen said in speaking to staff at CNC and UNBC, with rising costs of education the larger amounts “would provide more of an impact on student assistance.”

A comparison of bursaries offered by

other regional districts showed a wide range of amounts and numbers of bursaries offered, Jensen added Some districts, like East-Kootenay and Alberni-Clayoquot, offered none, while regional districts like Peace River and Kitimat-Stikine offered extensive bursaries, focused primarily on health-related studies For example the Peace River Regional District offers up to $5,000 in bursaries for up to six students per year, studying to become registered nurses and registered psychiatric nurses. Under the program, students must sign a two-year return of service agreement with Northern Health to work in the regional district

ARTHUR WILLIAMS Citizen staff

Speed skater chosen for World Cup events

TED CLARKE Citizen staff

Persistence has paid off in a big way for long track speed skater Carolina Hiller.

The 25-year-old from Prince George will represent Canada in the next four World Cup events after she won the 500-metre title at the Canadian championships in Quebec City

Hiller clocked a personal-best 38.48 seconds and set a track record on the 400-mete oval at the Centre de Glace in Quebec on Oct 13

She’s one of eight women named to the Canadian team for World Cup races in Stavanger, Norway (Nov 11-13), Heerenveen, Netherlands (Nov 18-20) and backto-back events in Calgary (Dec 9-11, Dec 16-18)

“I’m really proud of myself, said Hiller “This year, I want to prove to myself I can compete at this level, and I think I accomplished that with (her Canadian championships 500m race) ”

Hiller’s national title winning time was nearly a half-second faster than her previous best of 38.89, set last December in Calgary

Hiller also posted the sixth-quickest time in the 1,000m event (1:17 24), shaving nearly a second off her previous best time of 1:18 37, set last year

Hiller got her start racing with the Prince George Blizzard Speed Skating Club and was a three-time silver medalist in long track at the 2015 Canada Winter Games.

She moved to Calgary after graduating high school and was on the NextGen national team for four years, from 20172021, but was dropped from the team a year ago and lost her national team funding She then joined the Calgary

Carolina Hiller of Prince George cruises to victory in the women’s 500-metre final at the Canadian long track speed skating championships Oct 13 in Quebec City Now based in Calgary, the 25-year-old former Prince George Blizzard Speed Skating Club member has been named to the Canadian team for the next four World Cup events

Oval program, where for the past three months she‘s been coached by former Olympic team sprinter Kevin Crockett

She’s in her fourth year studying kinesiology at the University of Calgary

The other women’s World Cup team members heading to Europe next month are: Ivanie Blondin of Ottawa, Beatrice

Lamarche of Quebec City, Valerie Maltais of Le Baie, Que., Brooklyn McDougall of Calgary, Alexa Scott of Clandeboye, Man , Isabelle Widemann of Ottawa and Rose Laliberte-Roy of Saint-Etienne, Que On the men’s team are: Jordan Belchos of Toronto, Cedrick Brunet of Gatineau, Que , Laurent Dubreuil of Levis, Que ,

Chistopher Fiala of Montreal, Graeme Fish of Moose Jaw, Sask., Antoine Gelinas-Beaulieu of Sherbrooke, Que , Connor Howe of Canmore, Alta , and Tyler Langelaar of Winnipeg Alison Desmarais of Vanderhoof, 22, has been selected for the World Cup team for the two events in Calgary

UNBC soccer players named to all-star teams

UNBC made sports history Thursday when eight members of the Timberwolves soccer programs were named to U SPORTS Canada West Conference all-star teams.

Five of them – Michael Henman, Cody Gysbers, Kensho Ando, Daniel Zadravec and Hagon Kim – played for the men’s team, and three – Kiana Swift, Mara McClary and Paige Payne – suited up for the women’s team

The eight all-star selections this season matched the entire 10-year total in the history of UNBC soccer

Heading into this season, the T-wolves had eight players picked for Canada West all-star recognition since UNBC joined the league in 2012

Henman, the T-wolves striker who tied the Canada West record with 19 goals this season, and Gysbers, the leader of the UNBC backline, were named First Team

all-stars, Ando and Zadravec were picked for the Second Team, and Kim made the All-Rookie team

UNBC sports information officer Rich Abney spoke to UNBC head coach Steve Simonson for his comments on the players that made the all-star lists this season:

Henman: “I am so incredibly proud of all that Michael has accomplished. Not just this year, but every year since finding his way to UNBC He is truly an exceptional young man, and for him to accomplish what he did this season is absolutely remarkable This is a year I will never forget ”

Gysbers: “Cody has steadily grown into the role he has today, in his fifth year with our program. He is so deserving of this all-star recognition, as he has had his strongest year of five important seasons with us He has battled injuries for a long

time, and I am happy to see him playing constantly, which has led to successes this year at UNBC ”

Ando: “Kensho is an undeniably important part of UNBC’s success this year A player of his type can often go unnoticed because he doesn’t always impact in obvious areas like goals or assists. His defensive efforts are absolute exceptional and he deserves the recognition. I am thrilled for Kenny ”

Zadravec: “Dan has demonstrated the abilities that we knew he had when we brought him to UNBC He has always been an important part of the goalkeeping team since his arrival, but now he has matured into a top starting GK in Canada West and I couldn’t be happier for him ”

Hagon: “He plays beyond his first-year status, and has shown not just great quality, but also great adaptability within our team To top it off he is an incredible

young man and we look forward to more successful years for him to come.”

Here’s what women’s head coach Neil Sedgwick had to say about his all-stars:

Swift: “Kiana has been a conference leader statistically the last two years in nearly all defending areas More importantly Kiana’s contribution to the team intentions allows her teammates to use their strengths.”

McCleary: “I am thrilled that Mara is receiving this recognition for the tireless efforts, for the dependable performances, and for the standard-setting lifestyle on the turf and in the classroom ” Payne: “From Kitimat to All-Star I am so pleased for Paige as her passion for the game and her personal development has continued to be at the highest level throughout her career Clearly a standout player in the conference and she will be greatly missed by our program ”

HOROSCOPES & PUZZLES

HOROSCOPES

ARIES

You may get an unexpected promotion after a colleague leaves. You’ll take over for your boss when they go on vacation. You may get a pay raise.

TAURUS

Everything is falling into place. At work, you’ll be inspired by leading projects, which will help you work towards achieving your goals.

GEMINI

You must recharge your batteries to improve all areas of your life. Being open spiritually will help you trans form your life and improve your well being.

CANCER

WEEK OF NOVEMBER 6 TO NOVEMBER 12 2022

in. You’ll also overcome some of your shyness by being part of it.

LEO

You’ll have a lot of responsibilities on your plate. Prioritize them according to your abilities. Your loved ones will help you create a plan to be as efficient as possible.

VIRGO

Going back to school isn’t easy However, it’s a decision that will benefit you and align with your values and life goals. Perseverance is the key to success. Fortunately, you’ll have the support of your loved ones.

LIBRA

your quality of life.

SCORPIO

Think things through before deciding, even if you’re being pressured Your intuition will guide you. If you’re patient, the answers will come to you.

SAGITTARIUS

Take your time when preparing a negotiation. You’ll find a solution to all your financial problems or get the job of your dreams.

CAPRICORN

AQUARIUS

You’ll enjoy spending time at home.You may also skip working at the office to be more efficient. You’ll deep clean your house.

PISCES

You may have a misunderstanding with a family member Don’t draw out the situation before setting the record straight. You must deter mine who’s making the decisions. Otherwise, the problem will remain unclear

You’ll organize a memorable group activity. The results will only be as good as the effort you put

You must weigh the pros and cons before making a choice. You’ll join a spiritual movement that will broaden your horizons and help you improve

You must calculate what you can afford before going on a shopping spree at a high -end store. You may also want to improve your appearance to take on more important tasks at work.

PUZZLE NO. 158

July14,1940 Sept23,2022

WANDA WILLIER

Wanda Willier passed away in Prince George on October 18th 2022 at the age of 47 years. She is survived by her two sons; Kevin and Nathan Clayton, her mother Cathy (Al)

It is with Great sadness that the family announce the passing of Patrick Merridith Scully, Resident of Aleza Lake B.C. on Friday September 23, 2022, in PrinceGeorgeB.C.

A celebration of Pats life will take place at 2:00 pm on Saturday November 19, 2022 at the Blackburn Community Center, 2451 Blackburn RdS,PrinceGeorgeB.C.

Jo-AnneYager (nee:Couture)

July25,1939October21,2022

Jo-Anne, youngest daughter of Permilia and Alfred Couture was born in Chatham, Ontario and passed away from Alzheimer’s at UHNBC Hospital Prince George on October 21, 2022 at theageof83.

She is survived by her husband and best friend Gerry, her brother Denny (Bernadette) Couture, daughter Judy (Randy) Pigeau, son Bob Yager (Cathy Simon), grandchildren Kyle (Bri) Pigeau, Michelle (Jessie) Tucker, great grandchildren Avalee and Noah Tucker and Beau Pigeau, Sisters-in-laws Nancy and Gail Couture , brotherin-law Trev (Marilyne) Yager and many nieces and nephews. Predeceased by brothers Doug (late Shirley) and Bob Couture and sisters Vada (Gene) Riddell, Maxine (Jim) Graham, Marlene Foy and infantbrotherRodney

Jo-Anne lived in Prince George from 1978-1985 and returned in September 2020 to be closer to family

She had a successful and much respected 42 year career as a nurse She was quiet, a very good listener, compassionate and caring, always putting others ahead of herself. She will be so sadly missed.

A Memorial Service was held on October 31, 2022 at Lakewood Funeral Home 1055 Ospika Blvd.

Joseph, brothers Dwayne and Michael Willier and one sister Danielle (Anthony) She will be remembered by her numerous other relatives and friends. Wanda was predeceased by her sister Charity Willier, father Dwayne Willier Sr and other family members. A visitation for family and friends will be held on Tuesday November 8th 2022 from 9:30am to the service time at 11:00 am atAssman’sFuneralChapel.

FrancesBarber

It is with deep sorrow the Barber family regretfully announces the death of our beloved mother Frances Barber Mom passed away peacefully at the Rotary Hospice House on the morning of October 24, 2022. Our Mom was more than a mother, she was a dear sister, wife, grandmother, great grandmother, mother-in-law, auntie, cousin, and friend. She leaves behind to mourn, her 5 children, Gerry (Wendy) Favelle, Debbie Anglehart, Darlene (Tom) Dunne, Tom (Nelly) Barber, Albert (Jane) Barber Sister Phyllis (Larry) Anderson, Numerous Grandchildren, Great Grandchildren, great great grandchild, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Our Family would like to thank the staff at Hospice House for their kind and compassionate care of our Mother We welcome and encourage everyone to share stories and memories of Frances (Frankie), at her Memorial/Celebration of Life that will be held at the Hart Pioneers Centre 6986 Hart Highway, on Saturday November 19th, from 11:00to3:00

Beloved Wife, Mother, Grandmother and Friend to many Predeceased by her parents Bob and Norma Clements (nee Smale), Uncle Mort, Uncle Kevin and her son Dallas. She is survived by her loving husband Neil; Daughter in law Davina; Son Sheldon; Grandkids; Lane, Trennis and KallenandherlittlebrotherGarry(Jackie).

June was fortunate to have many wonderful friends throughout her life. In her brief illness she didn’t get to reconnect with all, however, her visits with Betty and her ‘girls’ were very cherished. Having been a resident of Prince George for 79 years she saw many changes, often referring to the new landmarks by their original or previous names which would then require an explanation andensuingstoryaboutthatonetimewhen…

June and Neil began a business in 1972 which has grown and continues to instill family values within its work force. Upon June’s ‘retirement’ she became the leader of all social activities within this extended family She actively engaged in these events by donning costumes and playing her roles and was always the person having the most fun! From Rodeo Queen to accomplished snowmobile racer, to downhill skier, to active crew member on a stock car, she was always up foranadventure.

A public Graveside Service at Memorial Park Cemetery (Prince George) will take place on Friday, Nov 4 at 11:00 am and everyone is also welcome to attend a Memorial Celebration at the Hart Pioneers Center (6986 Hart Highway) to followfrom12:30-3:30.

As June was a lover of all animals, in lieu of flowers, please feel free to make any donation in June’smemorytothePrinceGeorgeBCSPCA.

PatrickMerridith Scully

PatrickJosephMartin

1926-2022

Pat Martin was born on October 20, 1926 and passed away peacefully on October 25, 2022 at Birchview Senior Residence withhislovingfamilyathisside.

He was predeceased by his loving wife Ruth, son Tony and his grandson Matthew

He leaves to mourn his daughter Margaret and his sons Bob (Lynne), Mike (Donna), Bill (Tracey), and Dan (Ida) He will be greatly missed by his 16 grandchildren Shawn (Donna), Daryl, Angela (Steve), John (Denise), David (Carmen), Tracey (Mick), Chris (Jenn), Michael (Shanna), Jessica (Jay), Lorne (Donna), Kristal (Craig), Amanda (Kevin), Katie (Michael),Julie(Brian),Samantha(Garnet),andAndy(Leigh). Hewillalsobemissedbyhis34greatgrandchildren.

We would also like to thank the staff of the Birchview Residence for taking suchgoodcareofDad.

Prayer Service November 2, 2022 at 7:00 pm at Immaculate Conception Church(3285CathedralAve PrinceGeorge,BC)

Funeral Mass November 3, 2022 at 11:00 am at Immaculate Conception Church(3285CathedralAve.PrinceGeorge,BC).

Reception from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm at the Prince George Golf & Curling Club (2601RecplaceDr PrinceGeorgeBC).

BarbaraAnnPlante

November27,1944October17,2022

“Our Angel” “Avery Special person so Dearly Loved and Admired by all whose life she touched”.

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Barbara Ann Plante. Barb passed away with her beloved husband, Michel at her side in Mackenzie BC hospital on October 17, 2022 after a lengthy battle with Multiple Sclerosis and later Cancer Barb finally found the peace she so deserved. Barb was born in Vancouver BC and raised in Prince George BC Eventually, Barb resided in Mackenzie BC where she raised a family for many years Barb was a dedicated and loving wife, mother, daughter, sister, grandma, auntie, cousin and friend to many She loved her family and friends dearly and was exceptionally generous, compassionate and caring. Barb’s warm and uniquely beautiful personality captured the hearts of everyone around her She had a way of making people feel special, loved and comfortable in her presence. Those privileged to know Barb were touched by her depth, intelligence and wit. Barb was also a hard worker and employed in various occupations such as a Florist and later Office Manager in the family business She loved to read and go for long walks with her cherished dog “Bear.” With an awesome sense of humour, Barb was much fun to be around A lady of many talents: Artist, Writer, Poet and Singer with an angelic voice She loved music and dancing Barb also had a deep love and compassion for nature and animals which was reflected in her art and paintings Barb’s family and many friends will miss her deeply Barb is survived by her loving husband, Andre “Michel” Plante, her three Children, son Marty, daughter Sherry and daughter Nicole (Jim); Grandchildren, Natasha, Murdine, Brett, Ryan (Crystal); her Sisters, Donna, Joanne (Robert) and Susan (Don); her Brothers, Terry, John, David, Brian and Robert; her Aunt, Hattie, many nieces, nephews and cousins; Friends, Darlene, Jackie, Helene and many more friends who adored her Predeceased by her Parents Ray and Ruth Baker, Brother Jackie, Sister Sandra, Uncle Johnny, Niece Susan Baker and Great Nephew Royal. No service by request. Cremation arrangements in care of Assman’s Funeral Chapel. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in Barb’s name to MSSocietyofCanada.

StanleyBerezowski

We are heartbroken to announce that Stanley Berezowski has passed away Stan passed away on October 18, 2022 at the age of 78. A sudden loss for his wife Tomie, children Dana (Rob), Tamara, John (Holly) and stepchild Darcey (Richard). Stan’s grandchildren were the apple of his eye; Caleb (Ana), Michael (Jacqueline), Kane (Melissa), Riley (Brooke), Brooke (Ryan), Paris (Michael), Tyler, Dalyton and Ferrah. Stan had four great grandchildren Roczen, Remi, Axle and Maddyn.

A memorial will be held Saturday, November 5th at 2 pm at the Hart Pioneer Centre - 6986 Hart Highway

Please come and honour our dad Stan. Share a memory, tell a funny joke Stan would have loved foreveryonetoshareatalltale.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Parkinson’sSociety

1935-2022

Francis (Frank) Allen Bruder born March 5th 1935 in Carnwood Alberta, passed away October 25th. 2022 Survived by his loving wife Linda, daughter Shelly, Sons Terry (Robin), Kevin Fitzsimons (Ramona), Aaron Fitzsimons, brothers Chris (Sharon), Larry (Janet), 19 grandchildren and 14 great grandchildren, predeceased by Beth Bruder, parents Rose and Edwin brother Ernest andsistersGladysandCecelia.

Frank grew up in Willow River and worked most of his life at Shelley Sawmills. For fun he loved playing baseball, softball and hockey as well as camping, hunting, fishing and gardening He was actively involved with all his kids’ activities, and he was known for creative solutions to any conceivable problem when building something at CluculzLake.

The family would like to recognize the doctors and nurses of the Internal Medicine unit of the University Hospital of Northern BC for outstanding care and understanding during Frank’s brief stay In lieu of flowers please send any donationstotheParkinson’sSocietyBC.

Toys/Games/Puzzles

Alot

BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY

Established Franchise Photography Business Serving Northern B.C for over 35 years

Gross Revenues of $150.000 plus annually from seasonal work Lots of opportunity to expand the business Transition support available to the right buyer

Serious Enquiries Only

Office 250-596-9199 Cell 250-981-1472

BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY

Established Franchise Tax Preparation Business servicingMackenzie and McLeod Lake area for over 30 years

Gross Revenues of $85,000 to $90,000

Annually and Potential to expand revenues in a growing economy

Transition support available for the right buyer

Serious Inquires Only Office (250)997-9003

Home (250)997-5538 Cell (250)990-0152

The Friends of the Prince George Public Library Society will be holding its Annual General Meeting via video conference on Wednesday, November 23, 2022 at 5:30 p.m. If you would like to attend please register by sending an email to friendspgpl@gmail.com by no later than Wednesday, November 16, 2022 Upon receipt of your email, we will forward you instructions on how to attend the annual general meeting via video conference

People interested in becoming involved with the Friends of the Prince George Public Library Society are encouraged to attend this Annual General Meeting If you are interested in joining the Friends’ Board of Directors, or in volunteering in any other capacity, please contact us through the email address above

Do you want to start your career in the funeral industry? Do you enjoy helping people and taking pride in your work? Assman’s Funeral Chapel is looking for a new member to join our team The successful candidate will enjoy working in a fast-paced environment, while completing a broad range of tasks throughout the day No experience necessary Must have a Driver’s License and be able to lift 50 pounds Monday - Friday 8:30am - 5pm/$20 hourly with benefits For more information or to send your Cover Letter and Resume just email: Irene.Nelson@DignityMemorial.com

Notices / Nominations

HOMES

REAL ESTATE LISTINGS

FREE ESTIMATES

How to keep your home rodent free

As winter approaches, various pests will start looking for a cosy place to spend the season Fortunately, you can take measures to prevent rodents from moving in with you

Here’s what you should do.

ELIMINATE POINTS OF ENTRY

Mice can pass through openings as small as a dime, so close off every small hole you can find. Seal cracks in your foundation, place weatherstrip under your doors and install backdraft dampers in your ducts. You should also screen off dryer outlets, fans, air intake vents and roof vents. Finally, add caulking around windows and pipes as needed

TIDY THE KITCHEN

Take care to keep your counters clean.

Store all dry food in sealed containers to avoid creating a buffet for unwanted critters This includes your pets’ kibble

CLEAN YOUR YARD

Remove anything cluttering up your property that may serve as shelter for pests In addition, keep your firewood at a reasonable distance from the house and about 30 centimetres above ground You should also trim tall grass and plants growing near your home’s foundation. Furthermore, be sure to supply garbage and compost bins with tight-fitting lids, and place your compost on wire mesh to prevent rodents from burrowing up from underneath.

If despite your best efforts unwanted critters infiltrate your home, call an exterminator in your area to get rid of them once and for all.

three materials that make exterior stairs less slippery.

1. RECYCLED RUBBER

Black tread covers made of recycled rubber are remarkably resistant to shocks, inclement weather, humidity, ultraviolet rays, oil and mildew They are easy to install, maintain and store They can, however, be quite heavy.

2. POLYPROPYLENE FIBRE

Available in an array of colours and patterns, polypropylene fibre can be bought in mats or rolls While this product can stand up to heavy traffic, it should be

treated against UV rays. To prevent seepage, it has waterproof backing made of vinyl or rubber, which increases its durability

3. COIR

This material, made of coconut fibre, typically comes in a natural ecru colour It can give your exterior a unique look and works best on wood and concrete surfaces The downside? Coir tends to retain water and dust. In addition, if not installed well, it may become loose over time.

To learn which materials will work best on your stairs, visit the flooring experts in your area.

ensure your project stands the test of time

1. PROJECTYOURSELF INTOTHE FUTURE

Don’t base your renovation decisions solely on your current wants and needs If you anticipate expanding your family over the next few years, or if your children are getting ready to leave the nest, take these eventualities into account.

2. INVEST IN QUALITY PRODUCTS

When purchasing or replacing pricier items like your bathtub, stove or sofa, it’s best to seek out brands with a reputation for reliability Though they may cost more initially, you won’t have to replace them as quickly, and their longer lifespan will save you money

3. INTEGRATETRENDS ECONOMICALLY

4. OPT FOR NEUTRAL COLOURS

For anything you intend to be permanent and for items that are more expensive or difficult to replace, such as a shower stall or ceramic floor, choose neutral colours. Consider white, beige or grey, and opt for a design that’ll age well.

5. CONSIDER FUNCTIONALITY

Take some time to reflect on your options to ensure your choices are as practical as they are fashionable Don’t leave things like lighting, storage and clearance space to chance These details can make the difference between a successful renovation and one you regret

To ensure your renovations live up to your expectations, be sure to rely on the expertise of your local contractors, architects and interior decorators.

If you like to keep up with trends, do it with accessories like curtains, mirrors and cushions.These items are easy to replace without breaking the bank when they wear out or look dated You might also want to experiment with paint, which is a relatively affordable way to update a space